Hulim didn’t stop her questioning because of the chefs’ subjective opinions.

  The head chef had no choice but to continue answering.

  "No, the back kitchen is mostly empty...... But! I watched Shiri leave!"

  "In other words, if she returned to the back kitchen after you left, you wouldn’t have known, right?"

  "T-This......"

  The head chef was lost for words and could only nod helplessly.

  "......That’s correct."

  "Thank you for your answer."

  Hulim turned to a guard beside her.

  "Could you investigate Shiri’s specific movements in the mansion today?"

  The guard looked at Bars.

  Bars nodded.

  The guard immediately left the room.

  "You may leave as well."

  "Yes......"

  Following the order, the chefs also exited the room.

  "Hulim, is the Shiri you’re talking about the woman we saw this morning?"

  As soon as the chefs left, Miko asked eagerly.

  "Mm, that’s her......"

  "How did you figure it out?! "

  Miko looked shocked.

  "We only exchanged a quick greeting at that time!"

  "Uh...... I’ll tell you later."

  Hulim didn’t answer immediately. It was just based on experience—and explaining how she’d gained that experience would take too long.

  "Hulim, are you certain it was this Shiri who did it?"

  Bars also spoke up.

  "I can’t be 100% sure, but I’m ninety percent certain she poisoned the food. However......"

  "But what? Feel free to speak your mind."

  "She was probably coerced. Someone else is pulling the strings."

  Hulim’s answer made Bars fall into deep thought. His expression told Hulim he likely had a suspect in mind.

  After some time, the guard brought three witnesses.

  "Your Majesty, based on their testimonies, we can confirm that Shiri—who was supposed to leave the back kitchen before the head chef—returned to it after he left."

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Shiri’s movements within the mansion were limited, so there weren’t many witnesses. But after questioning these three people who’d crossed paths with her during the day, the guard quickly uncovered the discrepancy—they’d passed the kitchen after the head chef had already left.

  "Now we can be 100% certain. Someone—!"

  "Yes!!! "

  A group of guards poured in.

  Just as Bars was about to give the order, Hulim stopped him.

  "Mr. Bars, I have a suggestion."

  "A suggestion?"

  "Go on."

  "Regarding arresting these people, we might need to use a different approach......"

  Hulim then explained her plan to everyone.

  Since Hulim had identified the poisoner in such a short time, Bars trusted her suggestion.

  ......

  Early the next morning.

  A traveler-looking man passed by the White Cat Clan’s mansion.

  Like many tourists arriving in Helinks at this time, he looked around curiously and commented on the mansion.

  The guards were already used to such people and had no desire to engage with him. Some even yawned, still sleepy from waking up early.

  The traveler only lingered for a moment before leaving.

  But after turning a corner, he stopped again and peered cautiously at the White Cat Clan’s mansion.

  "Something’s wrong......" He frowned at the mansion’s calm appearance. "Did it fail? Or did that woman never follow my instructions?"

  The mansion showed no signs of trouble—meaning most likely nothing had happened.

  "Hmph! You got lucky......"

  After snorting at the mansion, the traveler turned and left, heading directly to a specific location.

  ......

  Before long, an unexpected guest arrived at Shiri’s door.

  "It seems you didn’t do a very good job."

  After breaking into the house, the unexpected guest said coldly.

  "Who is it——! Wait...... It’s you!"

  Shiri was shocked by the sudden intrusion but quickly recognized the voice.

  "It looks like you really don’t want to see your son anymore!"

  "W-What are you talking about?! "

  Shiri’s eyes widened instantly.

  "I did exactly what you asked! What more do you want?! "

  "Did exactly what we asked~? Hmph——! "

  The mysterious man snorted.

  "Everyone in that mansion is still alive and well!"

  "T-That can’t be! I definitely poured the magic potion into the ingredients! Could your potion be faulty?"

  "Do you think we’re as stupid as you are?! "

  The mysterious man pulled another bottle of the same magic potion from his pocket.

  "I’ll give you one last chance! Remember—this is your final opportunity! Either the people in the mansion die, or your son does. Choose wisely."

  Without waiting for Shiri to accept the potion, the mysterious man placed it on the table and turned to leave.

  As for Shiri,

  she stared at the bottle of magic potion on the table, her heart falling into turmoil once again......

  After exiting Shiri’s house, the mysterious man checked his surroundings carefully to ensure no one was watching, then left quickly.

  However, he didn’t notice that from the moment he entered Shiri’s door, several pairs of eyes had been fixed on him.

  "This must be the mastermind......"

  In a house not far from Shiri’s,

  Hulim, Bars, and the accompanying guard captain watched the departing figure through a crack in the window. Besides the three of them, many guards were lying in ambush in nearby rooms.

  To avoid detection, these guards weren’t participating in the surveillance.

  "It’s possible, but more likely he’s just a messenger."

  "Should we arrest him for questioning?"

  The guard captain asked.

  "No," Hulim shook her head. "That would likely break the trail. Besides, they probably have a hostage. The best approach is to follow him directly and trace the trail to their hideout."

  "Hmm...... You’re right. I’ll arrange for someone to tail him."

  "That won’t work."

  Before Hulim could object, Bars rejected the guard captain’s proposal first.

  "You’re underestimating that guy. He’s no weakling. Sending random guards to tail him will only expose us."

  "What should we do then, Your Majesty?"

  "Naturally, only the two of us can go!"

  "Uh, the two of us?"

  The guard captain looked at Bars, then pointed to himself—as if saying "Are you serious?"

  "Mr. Bars, the two of you definitely can’t go."

  Hulim spoke up.

  "Your identities are too prominent. If their hideout is in a remote place, you’ll be easily discovered."

  "That’s a valid point......"

  Bars nodded, then looked troubled.

  "But if the two of us can’t act, there’s no one else among the guards capable of this."

  "It’s okay."

  Hulim said calmly.

  "I’ll handle it."

  ......